IN THE BASILICA OF SANTA CROCE, IN FLORENCE, THESAN FRANCESCO GARDEN. AN ANCIENT AND MODERN SYMBOL PLACE OF RESPECT FOR THE PLANET, PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY AND A NEW RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THE CREATION OF THE SAN FRANCESCO GARDEN, TOGETHER WITH THE INTEGRATED ENHANCEMENT OF THE FRANCISCAN PATHS WHICH STARTING FROM THE BASILICA IS INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT “THE SEED OF THE COMMON GOOD”
L’Garden of San Francesco in Santa Croce it is reborn as a symbol of respect for the planet, the protection of biodiversity and a new relationship between man and the environment.
This vegetable garden, located behind the apse of the basilica, serves as a cultivated space it’s yes spiritual path and cultural that connects to the life of Saint Francis and his special relationship with nature.
The project The Seed of the Common Good includes the creation of the Garden and the valorisation of “Franciscan Paths” which start from the basilica. Born from a multi-year agreement between the Opera di Santa Croce, the Community of Friars Minor Conventual, Aboca and the Fondazione Progetto Valtiberina, this project represents the first step of a broader collaboration that enriches the identity of Santa Croce. The initiative aims to create a new and unusual itinerary for visitors and to enrich the experience of those who travel there “Via di Francesco”, promoting the sustainable tourism.
«It is a project born from the collaboration between different realities, united by the choice to give value to the common good – he highlighted Cristina Acidinipresident ofOpera of Santa Croce -, developing sustainable tourist hospitality, which puts the person at the center and offers visitors an opportunity for personal as well as cultural growth”.
L’“Francis’s Garden” metaphor of the balance between human activities and respect for biodiversity
The Garden was created through in-depth research on ancient sources, including medieval iconography and texts such as the “Garden” Of Valafrid Strabo.
References to “Song of Creatures” and at “Franciscan sources” accompany visitors along the route. The Garden is home to over two hundred cultivated species, including hemp, nettle and linen used for the friars’ clothes and an area where biodiversity flourishes freely. Symbolic elements such as the flowering meadow and plants such as cabbage, mustard and parsley recall episodes from the life of Francis of Assisi.
This project, through the metaphor of Francis’ Garden, underlines the importance of conjugate human activities with respect for biodiversity. It invites us to reflect on our role as guardians of nature.
According to the vision of Saint Francisthe Garden symbolizes the relationship between man and nature: on the one hand vegetables for food and medicinal herbs for the community; an uncultivated part to allow nature to grow freely. This uncultivated area represented a sign of trust in the gift of creation and the willingness to depend on God’s generosity.
«Francis’s Garden is a space of beauty and spirituality inspired by the model and values of the Saint – highlighted father Giancarlo Corsini rector of the basilica -. Located at the starting point of the “Franciscan Paths”, it aims to be an invitation to rediscover the balance with nature, for a new awareness of the profound relationships between human beings and the environment that can help us live the path better and healthier of every day.”
A hymn to biodiversity
The thought of Saint Francis, ancient but current, resonates like a hymn to biodiversity and a call to limit human impact on the world. In Santa Croce, the starting point of the Franciscan Paths, we are invited to seek balance with the environment and with others.
Spread his message of peace
Saint Francis, a pilgrim, undertook long journeys to meet people and spread his message of peace and communion with nature. The I walk di Francesco passes through some of the most beautiful places in central Italy. From Florence to La Verna, passing through Vallombrosa and the Consuma pass, towards Arezzo, Cortona and finally Assisi.
The Francis Walks Festival
In this context, the Francis Walks Festival 2024dedicated to the theme of “dono”on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the gift of the stigmata.
The Festival, organized by Valtiberina Project Foundation, starts from Florence with the aim of reflecting on human responsibility in an era of great transformations. This initiative continues the commitment of the Opera di Santa Croce in enhancing the material and immaterial heritage, rediscovering the Franciscan values of harmony with nature. The Festival offers experiential, slow and conscious tourism, in line with the commitment of the Municipality of Florence to sustainable management of tourist flows.
An experiential, slow and sustainable tourism
The Toscana Promozione Turistica agency confirms its commitment to promoting slow and sustainable tourism. The journey of Saint Francis, with his message of respect for the environment, is central in this context. The Opera di Santa Croce and the administrations along the Camino work to confirm the vocation of Tuscany to find models of balance between man and the environment, enriching the landscape and the identity of the region in the eyes of tourists.
Opening hours to the public
The Garden of San Francesco can be visited for free at the following times: from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 to 17.30. Sunday and holydays from 12.30pm to 5.45pm; entrance from Via di San Giuseppe.
